Nanoparticle Layer Formation, Structure and Interactions with Model Membranes

Abstract

Nanoparticles are of great scientific interest because of the unique properties brought about by their large surface area. In bioengineering, they are used in protein engineering, drug delivery, implants and in interactions with lipid membranes. Langmuir-Blodgett and Langmuir-Schaefer deposition techniques have proven to be effective ways for controlled deposition of one molecule thick layers of nanoparticles and -rods [1-3].Nanoparticle deposition onto a solid or liquid surface is controlled by particle-particle interactions. Here, we discuss how stabilization of nanoparticle Langmuir films can be done by using different ligand molecules or by modifying the chemical composition of the subphase. Interactions between nanoparticles and model membranes are presented. Different types of nanoparticles, including carbon nanotubes, graphene and functional nanomaterials and are discussed. Furthermore, it is shown how characterization methods such as Brewster Angle Microscopy and Polarization-Modulation Infrared Spectroscopy at the air-water interface can be used to evaluate the formation and evolution of these layers.1. Lee et al. J. Phys. Chem. B 2007, 111, 9288-9293.2. Pohjalainen et al. Langmuir 2010, 26(17), 13937-13943.3. Hsu et al. Applied Surface Science 2011, 257, 2756-2763.